Earth Day Eco Fair Highlights Environmental Activism (April 22, 2012)

Deputy Minister Taulant Bino Mayor Lulzim Basha (center), U.S. Ambassador Alexander Arvizu, and Austrian Ambassador Florian Raunig examine materials prepared by the Albanian Volunteers Corps, an NGO dedicated to citizen volunteer cleanup efforts.

The U.S. and Austrian Embassies, in partnership with environmental NGO Eden Center, and with support from the Tirana Municipality, organized a street fair on the main pedestrian boulevard of Tirana on Earth Day to draw attention to the environmental challenges Albania faces.  The fair featured exhibits by a coalition of environmental NGOs and recycling and organic food production businesses.  In remarks, the U.S. Ambassador called for increased citizen activism and participation to address issues such as trash disposal, recycling, and deforestation.   Austrian Ambassador Florian Raunig and Tirana Mayor Lulizim Basha both highlighted the importance of Earth Day, while Eden Center Managing Director Ermelinda Mahmutaj pointed out environmental NGOs in Albania need active citizen participation to be truly effective.  Deputy Environment Minister Taulant Bino called upon citizens to hold the government accountable, to make sure they follow through with promised environmental initiatives.  The Earth Day Eco Fair is the first activity in a mission-wide effort to reengage citizens on environmental issues.